Jaco Cilliers – ProAgri
There is a common misconception that pivot irrigation is too expensive for small-scale livestock farmers. Some farmers believe that they need to plant grain extensively in order to justify the capital investment and running costs of a centre pivot irrigation system. This is clearly not the case, and Agrico proves it.
Johan Rossouw, a sheep and goat farmer from Heidelberg in South Africa, provides the perfect example of how small-scale livestock farming can not only afford irrigation, but also greatly benefit from it.
In 2017 Johan erected an 8-hectare Agrico pivot on his farm. The pivot consists of two towers and an 18-metre overhang. It is used to irrigate a mixture of rye and ryegrass throughout the year. Johan divides the 8 hectares into various camps that his 100 goats and 100 sheep can graze in.
“With the feed mixture under irrigation, I have to take the fences down and send my cattle in from time to time to ensure that the pasture remains short enough for the sheep and goats to graze effectively,” Johan explains.
The difference that the pivot has made to his business is remarkable. “The average weight of the sheep and goats being sent to the abattoir has increased from 16 kg on dry land to 37 kg with the irrigated pasture,” says Johan. This guarantees a return on investment and will see the pivot return every cent of the initial cost within the first few seasons.
“The fact that you have access to good quality feed throughout the year means you do not have to buy expensive bales – especially during the winter months when natural vegetation is scarce and the price of bales increase dramatically,” Johan adds.
An Agrico agent introduced Johan to the idea of erecting a centre pivot on his farm years ago. He was hesitant at first due to the fact that it is a significant capital investment. But three years later he says: “It is the best decision that I
could have made for my farm.”
Because a centre pivot irrigation system is a significant investment on your farm, you also have to make sure that the quality of the product is of a high standard to avoid expensive maintenance and high running cost. Johan is definitely impressed with the quality and after-sales service offered by Agrico.
“I ensure that the gearboxes are oiled and that the centre is greased, but apart from that there is no major maintenance
work that needs to be done. I check the wheels for punctures and the sprinklers for blockages, but this is normal inspection. You can tell if something is wrong by simply looking at your pivot while in operation.”
The Agrico team closest to Johan is situated in Nigel. Burtie van der Westhuizen from the Agrico branch in Nigel is always available when Johan needs him. “What I appreciate most of Burtie and his team, is that I never have to wait to hear from them, and they always provide feedback. With the quick and accurate feedback that they provide, they enable me to make better management decisions for my farm,” says Johan.
This service is rendered through a comprehensive branch network with equal enthusiasm end efficiency wherever a pivot from Agrico may be.
Spilpunte bied ‘n uitstekende oplossing om groot areas effektief te besproei, maar verg ordentlike beplanning, installasie en onderhoud. In die verband kan die advies van ‘n gekwalifiseerde besproeiingsontwerper ‘n deurslaggewende rol speel, meen Johan Myburgh, hoof meganiese ingenieur by Agrico.
Ons is verheug om aan te kondig dat Anita Smith by ons sal aansluit as die nuwe bestuurder van Agrico Wellington en Agrico Paarl. Met meer as 30 jaar se ondervinding in die besproeiingsbedryf, ’n sterk agtergrond in administratiewe bestuur, en ’n passie vir kliëntediens, beloof Anita se leierskap ’n nuwe hoofstuk.
In hierdie ekslusiewe onderhoud gesels die Andrag-neefs, Walter en Roland, oor Agrico van vandag. Gebou op meer as ‘n eeu se ryk geskiedenis, doen Agrico alles behalwe stagneer. ‘n Groeiende taknetwerk, ‘n poel jong talent en aanhoudende investering in moderne vervaardiging, getuig daarvan. Lees meer oor hierdie twee bedryfsleiers se uitkyk op die landbou, en Agrico se seisoen van momentum!
Agrico stel die nuwe 12.5 m Hoë Spoed Dis bekend, ‘n robuuste werktuig wat ontwerp is vir doeltreffende boerdery met wyer werksdekking. Hierdie Hoë Spoed Dis, wat by NAMPO debuteer, help boere om tyd en geld te bespaar.
Fifteen years ago, Guru started his farming journey with little knowledge. Today, he has turned his 500 Ha farm in Zambia into a thriving enterprise and a family legacy. Using 20 Ha of drip-irrigation and two Agrico centre pivots, Guru has irrigated his way to success.
From efficient irrigation to purpose-built implements, Agrico offers the best of both worlds. Our expertise in irrigation design and seedbed preparation is what your farm needs to take it to the next level. Don’t believe us? Come see for yourself at NAMPO 2024.
